Page 28 of Topping the Jock
“Where are you going?” I asked when he began heading for the door.
“I said all I wanted to say. Enjoy the rest of your evening, Montgomery.”
Back to my full name. A sign he was closing off again. Or maybe he was just being a tease.
“Quinn!” I stepped after him, grabbing his arm and spinning him back to my chest. His breaths were heavy despite the cool façade he wore. He wasn’t nearly as unfazed as he led me to believe. “You don’t have to run off.”
“Who said I’m running?” He stepped out of my embrace and ran a hand down the front of his shirt, smoothing the wrinkles. “I have a life, you know. There’s somewhere I have to be.”
Instantly, visions of Quinn rolling around in bed with some guy popped into my head.
“You meeting back up with the jerk who made you late for work?”
“Is that jealousy I hear in your voice?” Quinn asked. “You move quickly, don’t you? One orgasm and you’re already staking a claim. And he didn’t make me late by the way. I was still perfectly on time.”
“I don’t care who you fuck, Quinn,” I countered, not knowing if it was the truth or not. I never got jealous or possessive, even when in actual relationships. That was one of the main reasons they never worked out too. Because I didn’t care enough. “I’m just saying, if it’s some rando you’re meeting up with, save yourself some time and hook up with me.”
“And why would I want to do that?”
He could act nonchalant all he wanted, but I had felt the tenderness in his kiss after I came. A part of him had a soft spot for me… even if it was super small and buried beneath all the years of anger.
“Because I’m cute?” I said, flashing a grin.
“Bye, Montgomery.” He spun on his heels and left the locker room.
I debated on going after him, but what would I say that hadn’t been said already? So, I let him go.
A goofy smile surfaced as I stopped by my office for my stuff and locked the door. Quinn Beck had definitely caught my interest even more than he’d already had.
Chapter Six
Quinn
“Sorry I’m late,” I said, as I walked into Reed’s house an hour after leaving Monty in the locker room.
“Yeah, you better be sorry,” he shot back, closing the door behind me. “I’ve been slaving away in this kitchen cooking you dinner, and you have the audacity to keep me waiting.”
“Okay, drama king.” I bumped his shoulder. “I really am sorry. I hope the food didn’t get too cold.”
He shrugged. “Nah, it’s not done yet.”
“You ass,” I said with a laugh. “Giving me a hard time and you’re still cooking.”
Reed echoed my laugh and walked toward the kitchen. I followed behind him, amazed as usual by the extravagance of his home. Well, compared to mine anyway. The white-and-gray color scheme made the house appear brighter and more open, and the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room gave a view of the bay. The dark water reflected the city lights.
“Take off your jacket and make yourself comfortable,” Reed said, as he went over to the oven and flipped on the light, peering through the glass in front to check the food. “A few more minutes should do it.”
“What is it?” I asked, sniffing the air as I sat on the barstool. Whatever it was smelled amazing.
“Lasagna, but it’s made with spaghetti squash instead of pasta,” he answered, straightening back up and grabbing a bottle of wine from the fridge. “It’s supposed to taste good, so we’ll see. And don’t worry, no nuts were used in any of the ingredients. I triple-checked. I’d never forgive myself if I killed you.”
I snorted and accepted the glass of wine he offered me. “Much appreciated. But I always carry an EpiPen. So, if you accidentally try to murder me, it’ll be okay.”
Reed sipped his wine and leaned against the kitchen island. His short brown hair was styled to the side, and he wore a button-up shirt with the top few buttons undone, showing his smooth chest. I narrowed my eyes at the hickey on his collarbone.
“What?” he asked, perking up. “Why are you giving me the look of shame?”
“Stop letting men mark you,” I responded, pointing to the hickey. “It’s tacky.”
